Each year, in the Fall, many people work together to design The Arc of Virginia's Legislative and Advocacy Priorities. Drawing on discussions and input from self-advocates, members, family members, and community partners, the team at The Arc drafts potential priorities for the consideration of the Board of Directors. Once the Board approves the priorities for the year, together we set about the process of advocating for the items that we believe will most benefit the lives of people with developmental disabilities across the Commonwealth. If you would like to take part in planning for the annual agenda, please email our executive director, Tonya Milling at [email protected]

It starts with Budget Hearings. The Governor presents a budget each year in late December. With that budget in hand, the General Assembly hosts Budget Hearings for one day in January, across the Commonwealth, to hear from their constituents about how state tax dollars should be used. This is the first step in The Arc's annual advocacy plan where showing up in great numbers, can have meaningful impact. The Budget Hearing for 2020 was on January 2, 2020.

General Assembly Session begins in January of each year, and runs for a long session (60 days), in even numbered years and a short session (30 - 45 days), in odd numbered years. This is where the grass roots work of The Arc becomes pivotal in effecting change and having influence with Legislators.